Coffee and kittens: Montreal cat cafe claims to be North America’s first

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Nadine Spencer, co-creator of Cafe des Chats, holds one of the cats at the newly opened coffee shop in Montreal on Sunday. (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Nadine Spencer, co-creator of Cafe des Chats, holds one of the cats at the newly opened coffee shop in Montreal on Sunday. (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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Spencer says the cat cafe concept is a hit in Asia and has gained popularity in Europe. (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Spencer says the cat cafe concept is a hit in Asia and has gained popularity in Europe. (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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Ansa Mao, of Toronto, takes the paw of a cat at the newly opened cat cafe in Montreal. (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Ansa Mao, of Toronto, takes the paw of a cat at the newly opened cat cafe in Montreal. (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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A cat relaxes at Cafe des Chats in Montreal Sunday. (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

A cat relaxes at Cafe des Chats in Montreal Sunday. (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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The cats are all adopted from the SPCA. (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The cats are all adopted from the SPCA. (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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Curious cat lovers take photos at the new Cafe des Chats in Montreal Sunday. (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Curious cat lovers take photos at the new Cafe des Chats in Montreal Sunday. (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

MONTREAL — Would you like a cat with your coffee?

A new Montreal cafe is hoping plenty of people do. The Cafe des Chats, which opened its doors on Saturday, is a lot like a regular coffee house — except it’s home to eight cats.

Along with the usual tables and chairs designed for human clientele, the space is filled with scratching posts, plush toys, and a special multi-level window perch for the felines-in-residence.

Nadine Spencer, who helped set up the business along with her partner, said the concept is a big hit in Asia and, more recently, has gained popularity in Europe.

“We thought, ‘why not bring this to Montreal?’ I think it’s a city that could definitely use it,” she said Sunday.

“There’s a lot of places that don’t accept cats these days and there are a lot of students here for a short time. And it’s also great therapy.”

According to Spencer, the cafe is the first of its kind in North America.

But not for long. There are plans to open cat cafes in several cities, including Vancouver and Toronto. There’s even another one set to open a few blocks away in Montreal.

The crowd of people packed into Spencer’s cafe on Sunday suggests there’s plenty of demand.

Michelle Lau made the trip from Toronto for the opening weekend.

“We’re big cat lovers and I can’t wait until one opens in our city,” said Lau, 24, explaining that she has a dog at home and is reluctant to bring a kitty into the mix.

“I think it’s just a nice environment. You sit down, you have a coffee, and you play with the cats.”

Part of the goal was to give a few cats a second chance.

They are all adopted from the SPCA and have already made themselves comfortable in their new home, Spencer said. The cats have their own private quarters at the back of the shop, for when they want some quiet time or need to use the kitty litter.

“Personalities are already coming out,” she said.

“There’s definitely The Godfather, who kind of oversees everything in. There’s the big boss, Big Foot, and the Three Little Rascals, as I like to call them. I think they’re going to be the one to be in charge eventually.”